Grading the Packers: Quarterbacks

Todd Korth

01/28/2008

As the Green Bay Packers evaluate their personnel, so will PackerReport.com. Today, managing editor Todd Korth begins the first of a series of columns this week and next, grading each player at each position.

Brett Favre: At 38 years old, Favre continues to defy the odds of regressing by accomplishing one of his best seasons of his brilliant career. He completed his 17th season in the league by leading the Packers to a 13-3 regular season record and NFC Championship Game appearance.

Favre, the 2007 Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year, put his name atop a number of NFL records last season including: most career NFL touchdown passes (442), most career NFL passing yards (61,655), most career pass completions (5,377), most career pass attempts (8,758), most career NFL interceptions thrown (288), most consecutive starts among NFL quarterbacks (253, 275 total starts including playoffs), and most career victories as a starting quarterback (160).

Most important, perhaps, is that Favre adapted to Mike McCarthy's offense, and, as a result, the Packers ranked second behind New England in passing offense. By completing short-to-medium range passes to his receivers with fewer deep passes, Favre finished with his best completion percentage (66.5) as a pro and threw for 4,155 yards and 28 touchdowns vs. 15 interceptions for a 95.7 passer rating.

Though he completed 18 of 23 passes for 173 yards and three touchdowns in Green Bay's NFC Divisional playoff victory over Seattle, he struggled in the bitter cold against the New York Giants, throwing two interceptions late in the game, including one in overtime that allowed the Giants to win the game.

Expect Favre to return for another season, and there is no reason to think that he won't be able to put up similar numbers to 2007. He still has a strong arm, good health and the enthusiasm to guide the Packers back to the NFC title game.Grade: A-

Aaron Rodgers: Favre's top backup showed everyone in Green Bay's Nov. 29 loss to the Dallas Cowboys that he indeed is Favre's heir apparent. Rodgers nearly led the Packers to a comeback win over the Cowboys in his only significant playing time of the season.

Rodgers, who finished his third season in Green Bay, played in two games, completing 20 of 28 passes for 218 yards and one touchdown. He also played in one series at the end of the Packers' win over Seattle in the playoffs, but did not attempt a pass.

Rodgers is bigger and stronger than when he was selected by the Packers in the first round of the 2005 NFL draft. He has a very good command of the offense and is ready to start, but won't till Favre calls it quits.

One concern that the Packers have with Rodgers is his ability to stay healthy. A year after sustaining a broken foot, Rodgers injured his hamstring in practice and did not suit up for the final four regular season games.Grade: B

Craig Nall: Orginally a fifth-round draft pick by Green Bay in 2002, Nall was signed on Dec. 1, a few days after Rodgers hurt his hamstring. He served as the No. 2 quarterback in the final four games of the season, and played Dec. 30, after Favre was pulled in the second quarter. Nall completed seven of 15 passes for 88 yards and one touchdown.

Nall's chances of returning to Green Bay next season do not seem likely. If Favre returns, and with Rodgers in the mix, look for the Packers to begin grooming a younger quarterback.Grade: C

Editor's note: Stay tuned to PackerReport.com for an analysis of the Packers' running backs and fullbacks Tuesday on PackerReport.com.